Ladies and Gentlemen of E.T. Richardson Middle School’s class of 2006 and Springfield High School’s class of 2010, friends, family members, teachers, administrators and school staff, I must thank you. It has been my honor to work with you for the past two years. Students, we call tonight your Recognition Ceremony because we are here to recognize you and all of your many accomplishments and achievements. I think you know that there are others to recognize as well. To the parents, guardians and family of our students, I recognize you for your openness, honesty, your strength and your love for your children. To all of the teachers, administrators, coaches, counselors and school staff that have helped mold these students, I recognize you. Thank you for your dedication to their futures, as students and as people. To my students, I give you my thanks and my respect. I have had the privilege of walking with you through the peaks and valleys of the last two years. As you are being recognized, it should not be overlooked that you have faced challenges for which there are no formal awards. You have lost things and people who are important to you, you have triumphed, you have failed, you have made difficult decisions with outcomes both good and bad, you have hurt, you have laughed, you have cried, you have grown and…you have made it through middle school. I look forward to continuing this journey with you and bearing witness to all of the ups and downs that come next.

 

At this time, I must interject a short story. Those of our music students who went to Hershey Park this year know that I LOVE roller coasters! Some of us went on again and again and again. There is a quote from the movie Parenthood that I think explains why and I must share it before I continue: A Grandmother in the movie says: “I loved roller coasters. I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn't like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it.”

Considering that quote and with respect for the journey that lies ahead, I have written the following for each and every one of you:

 

Roller Coaster Ride

 

In life, and on rollercoasters, we expect certain things

But we aren’t always ready for all that it brings

There are very steep climbs and therefore big drops

Sometimes loop-dee-loops and often flip-flops

Going up is exciting and the top is the best

But that’s just a brief a moment and, well, you know the rest…

 

Down you go quickly, there’s no turning back

The cart’s moving forward, it follows its track.

The highs are so high and the lows really low

The sharp turns are confusing. Which way will you go?

 

Some fear it so much that they choose not to try

So they hang by themselves and sit, waiting, nearby

Some ride in the front with their arms in the air

Yelling, “Yeah! Bring it on!” but even they get a scare.

Some try it just once and they have a bad ride

So they won’t try again, there’s that fear deep inside.

Despite all their worries, some keep trying a lot

And they learn as they travel how much courage they’ve got

 

Sometimes it’s so bumpy or jerky or rough

You leave with a headache, thinking I’ve had enough!

Sometimes you feel sick, and you wish it would end

Then you see the huge smile on the face of a friend

Together you scream and continue the trip

And onward you go into a another big flip

 

You’re lucky, you know, to have people who care

We’ll call them technicians, adults who are there

They support and encourage, reassure you its fine

They teach and they guide you, they keep you in line

They work for your safety and watch as you go

They see you up high and they see you down low

They remind you to be careful and always choose well

They care for you even when it’s hard to tell

They’re good for your worries and for your shaky knees

They cheer for you as you fly higher than trees

There are so many technicians, some there and some here

Who are working for you as you ride far and near

They can only prepare you, the ride is your own

But with big ups and downs you are never alone.

 

As the journey continues, sometimes scary and fun

You will laugh, maybe cry before you are done

Just remember the end will come quickly and then

You won’t have a ride to take over again

So enjoy this great trip as it takes you around

We’re all cheering you on from our place on the ground.

 

The end of the ride isn’t what we recall

The trip that you take, with its ups and its downs,

Now that is what matters to us most of all!

 

Congratulations to all of you and I look forward to what is around this next big corner!